Russell Westbrook just missed breaking a tie with Oscar Robertson for the NBA single-season triple-double record, but the Oklahoma City star did knock down a late three-pointer to seal a victory
Westbrook fell a rebound short of an historic triple-double, but scored 45 points, including the Thunder's final five points to lead Oklahoma City to a 103-100 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night (Thursday AEST).
The guard, who also had 10 assists with the nine rebounds, nailed a three-pointer - his eighth of the game - with 14 seconds left to extend the Thunder's lead to 101-97. Two free throws in the final second provided the final margin.
Westbrook remained tied with Robertson with 41 triple-doubles. The point guard couldn't help but be aware late in the game that he was a rebound away from sole possession of the mark Robertson set in the 1961/62 season.
"The crowd was screaming it, so yeah I heard it," Westbrook said.
Oklahoma City solidified their hold on the Western Conference's sixth seed, holding a three and a half game lead over the Grizzlies. And while there was plenty of talk about the triple-double mark, Thunder coach Billy Donovan said the win was the priority.
"With our team, we are just wanting to do what we need to play better," Donovan said. "Once the regular season ends and the playoffs start, it's not a topic of conversation anymore. So, there's only about six more days of this."
Earlier in the day, Tristan Thompson's "Iron Man" streak ended, but the Cleveland Cavaliers' run of bad luck didn't.
Thompson sprained his right thumb on Tuesday and was ruled out of Wednesday's (Thursday AEST) first-place showdown at Boston, ending his consecutive games played streak at 447 - a team record and the longest active stretch in the league. Thompson's streak dated to February, 10 2012 - his rookie season.
WIthout him, LeBron James and the Cavaliers sent a message to the Celtics in their final matchup during the regular season: They won't relinquish the Eastern Conference's top seed that easily.
James had 36 points, 10 rebounds and six assists as Cleveland ran past Boston 114-91to move back into first place in the East.
The teams had identical records entering their final regular-season matchup, but Cleveland (51-27) now has a one-game lead over Boston (50-28) with only four games to play. Cleveland also holds the tiebreaker with the Celtics for the top seed, if needed.
"Just trying to get our team right going down the stretch brings out the best in me," James said. "We knew we were coming to a hostile building tonight and just wanted to try and play our game ... and we did that."
Kyrie Irving added 19 points and five assists.
In Phoenix, Golden State clinched the top spot in the Western Conference with a 120-111 win over the Suns.
Stephen Curry scored 42 points to go with 11 assists, five rebounds and two blocks as the Warriors won their 13th successive game.
Goran Dragic scored 33 points and Miami made 21 three-pointers to beat Charlotte 112-99 and pull back into a tie for eighth place in the Eastern Conference.
Kyle Lowry had 27 points and 10 assists in his return from a wrist injury to help Toronto rally to beat Detroit 105-102.
James Harden scored 31 points as Houston beat Denver 110-104 to secure the third seed in the Western Conference.
And Los Angeles Lakers never trailed as they upset San Antonio Spurs 102-95.
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